The effects of Valeriana officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic extract on depression like behavior in ovalbumin sensitized rats

Abstract

Background:Neuroimmune factors have been considered as contributors to the pathogenesis of depression. Beside other therapeutic effects, Valeriana officinalis L., have been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the effects of V. officinalis L. hydro alcoholic extract was investigated on depression like behavior in ovalbumin sensitized rats.Materials and Methods:A total of 50 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 (control group) received saline instead of Valeriana officinalis L. extract. The animals in group 2 (sensitized) were treated by saline instead of the extract and were sensitized using the ovalbumin. Groups 3-5 (Sent - Ext 50), (Sent - Ext 100) and (Sent - Ext 200) were treated by 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of V. officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic extract respectively, during the sensitization protocol. Forced swimming test was performed for all groups and immobility time was recorded. Finally, the animals were placed in the open-field apparatus and the crossing number on peripheral and central areas was observed.Results:The immobility time in the sensitized group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The animals in Sent-Ext 100 and Sent-Ext 200 groups had lower immobility times in comparison with sensitized group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). In the open field test, the crossed number in peripheral by the sensitized group was higher than that of the control one (P < 0.01) while, the animals of Sent-Ext 50, Sent-Ext 100 and Sent-Ext 200 groups had lower crossing number in peripheral compared with the sensitized group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively). Furthermore, in the sensitized group, the central crossing number was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001). In the animals treated by 200 mg/kg of the extract, the central crossing number was higher than that of the sensitized group (P < 0. 05).Conclusions:The results of the present study showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of V. officinalis prevents depression like behavior in ovalbumin sensitized rats. These results support the traditional belief on the about beneficial effects of V. officinalis in the nervous system. Moreover, further investigations are required in order to better understand this protective effect.

Diene Valepotriates fromValeriana glechomifoliaPrevent Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sickness and Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice

“…Also, the antidepressant-like effect of VAL was accompanied by normalization in the expression of cortical proinflammatory cytokines in E. coli LPS-injected animals previously submitted to a 6 min swimming session as a stressful stimulus. These findings are in accordance with Neamati and coworkers' study [ 28 ], who reported that a hydroalcoholic extract of V. officinalis prevented the development of sickness and depression-like behavior in ovalbumin sensitized rats, which is an animal model of depression associated with inflammation. In line with these findings, accumulating evidence points to the antidepressant and anti-inflammatory potential of Valeriana species [ 25 – 27 , 29 , 30 , 48 ].…”

“…In line with these observations, some studies have been pointing to the anti-inflammatory properties of the Valeriana genus, which is widely known by its sedative and anxiolytic properties [ 25 ], representing a new approach to the therapeutic use of the genus. The anti-inflammatory potential of species such as V. wallichii [ 26 ], V. amurensis [ 27 ], and V. officinalis , which prevents the sickness and depressive-like behavior in rats submitted to a model of depression related to inflammation [ 28 ], has been demonstrated. Furthermore, some authors have already shown the antidepressant potential of those species [ 25 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Deletion of Ovarian Hormones Induces a Sickness Behavior in Rats Comparable to the Effect of Lipopolysaccharide

“…The water was changed between each animal. In the first day, the rats were placed inside the water cylinder for 15 min (pretest) and then the animals were placed individually inside the water cylinder for 5 min for the following three alternative days (test days) [ 22 , 23 ]. Two hours before each test, the rats were injected with either LPS 250 μ g/kg (Sham-LPS and OVX-LPS groups) or saline (Sham- and OVX groups) [ 21 , 23 ].…”

“…The inside of the apparatus was divided into 16 equal squares using a black line. In addition, within the apparatus was divided to two zones called peripheral and central zones [ 22 , 23 ]. All the rats were familiarized with the test environment by being placed in the room for 1 h before beginning the experiment.…”

“…Each animal was placed in the central zone and its movement was recorded by a digital camera for 5 min [ 24 ], and the following criteria were calculated: (1) the crossing number in the central zone, (2) the crossing number in the peripheral zone, (3) the traveled distance in central zone, (4) the traveled distance in peripheral zone, (5) the time spent in central zone, (6) the time spent in in peripheral zone, (7) the total crossing number, and (8) the total traveled distance. Two hours before each test, the rats were injected with either LPS 250 μ g/kg (Sham-LPS and OVX-LPS groups) or saline (Sham- and OVX groups) [ 22 , 23 ].…”